Posts Tagged ‘Yvette’

This has been a tumultuous year for estate planning attorneys—and for their clients. The federal estate tax has been repealed, there are new rules in effect governing Roth IRAs, and heirs are facing higher capital gains liability. We don’t profess to have all the answers, but we think we have a pretty good handle on the questions.

You may agree with us when we say it would be productive to get together and review the current situation. In the next in our series of client education program, scheduled for Thursday, May 6, 2010, we hope to meet with as many of our clients as we are able, to review what is happening, what might change and what should be done.

As of January 1st, the federal estate tax has been eliminated – for this year only. What are the consequences of the repeal of the estate tax? What are the chances Congress will act this session to reinstate the estate tax? What does the tax look for 2011? What does the elimination of the “step-up in basis” mean for your heirs? Is it possible that your family could pay more in capital gains tax than they would have paid in estate tax?

We’ll talk about the (temporary) repeal of the estate tax and whether you should consider changes to your family trust or estate plan. We’ll talk about the competing proposals for changes to the estate tax exemption and the tax rate, and speculate about how likely it is that any one proposal will become law.

Recent rule changes make it easier for wealthier individuals to convert traditional Individual Retirement Accounts to Roth IRAs. Together, we’ll compare the ways in which IRAs and Roth IRAs are taxed, the distribution requirements for each, and the costs associated with making a conversion, so that you can decide what is right for you.

We know from talking to many of our clients that reducing the burden of probating your estate is a major concern. Beneficiary designations are an important tool for transferring assets to your family upon your death. Sadly, many people fail to take full advantage of this useful estate planning tool, or neglect to update their beneficiary designations when family situations (or estate plans) change.

We’ll take this opportunity to review the categories of assets that can be transferred via beneficiary designation, explain how the beneficiary designations work, and encourage you to review your existing designations to make sure that they are consistent with the rest of your estate plan.

This client education program is scheduled for Thursday, May 6th. The program is available to our clients (and family members and invitees) free of charge, but space is limited. To make reservations, telephone Yvette at (520) 622-0400. We look forward to seeing you there!